Molecular profiles and long-term outcomes of Thai children with hepatic glycogen storage disease in Thailand

BACKGROUND Thus far,genetic analysis of patients clinically diagnosed with glycogen storage diseases(GSDs)in Thailand has not been reported.AIM To evaluate the clinical and biochemical profiles,molecular analysis and long-term outcomes of Thai children diagnosed with hepatic GSD.METHODS Children aged<18 years diagnosed with hepatic GSD and followed up at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital were recruited.Whole-exome sequencing(WES)was performed to identify the causative gene variants.Medical records were assessed.RESULTS All eight children with histopathologically confirmed diagnosis were classified by WES into subtypes Ia(n=1),III(n=3),VI(n=3),and IX(n=1).A total number of 10 variants were identified including G6PC(n=1),AGL(n=4),PYGL(n=5),and PHKA2(n=1).AGL had two novel variants.The clinical manifestations were hepatomegaly(n=8),doll-like facies(n=3),wasting(n=2),and stunting(n=5).All patients showed hypoglycemia,transaminitis,and dyslipidemia.The mainstay of treatment was cornstarch supplementation and high-protein and low-lactosefructose diet.After a median follow-up time of 9.59 years,height turned to normal for age in 3/5 patients and none had malnutrition.Liver enzymes,blood sugar,and lipid profiles improved in all.CONCLUSION Hepatomegaly,transaminitis,and hypoglycemia are the hallmarks of GSD confirmed by liver histopathology.Molecular analysis can confirm the diagnosis or classify the subtype that might benefit from personalized treatment,prognosis,and long-term care.

China Tourism Day China Inbound Tourism Promotion Held in Thailand

May 19,2024 was the 14th China Tourism Day.Sponsored by China National Tourist Office in Bangkok and supported by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand,the China Tourism Day China Inbound Tourism Promotion co-organized by the Chinese and Thai enterprises such as Union Pay International Thailand and True Money,a Thai electronic payment platform,was held at ICONSIAM in Thailand.

Factories of the Future--China and Thailand are embracing new productive forces through NEV cooperation

Chinese modernization has been benefiting its neighboring countries,with the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)aligning with multiple development strategies of Thailand,including the economic development plan Thailand 4.0 as well as the Eastern Economic Corridor(EEC)which could serve as a complementary to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area(the Greater Bay Area).

THAILAND AND CHINA:TOGETHER FOR HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT

Dhina is playing an increasingly important role in the world.Everyone has recognized that the Chinese economy is undergoing steady and sound growth.At the same time,development of Thailand-China relations has entered a new historical period.Interconnectivity between Thailand and China through policy communication,unimpeded trade,and people-to-people exchange has brought the two countries into a period of high-quality development.

Sustainable Growth for Chemical Industry of Thailand

Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate is an important manufacturing base in Thailand, particularly for the production of steel and for the refining and production of petrochemical products. As Thailand is the leader for petrochemical and refining businesses within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations （ASEAN）, from upstream to intermediate and downstream manufacturing units, Map Ta Phut also plays a major role in chemical and energy development in the region. Not only has Map Ta Phut become a unique and modem industrial complex, which continues to expand rapidly, but it also exemplifies Thailand＇s effort to develop a comprehensive heavy industrial zone. Although industrial expansion has helped to create employment, income, and prosperity for some local communities in the coastal Rayong province, it has also created concern about inequity between areas with fast developing industries and surrounding communities. These concerns eventually led to widespread protests by locals and non-governmental organizations. Despite the adherence by companies to all environmental regulations, especially the environmental impact assessment, and their proactive participation in many activities to improve the province＇s standard of living and quality of life, public concerns have not decreased, Hence, companies must rethink and reposition their pursuit of technological development. They also need to achieve harmony so that industry can coexist with communities and be friendly to the environment as a whole. Astute large companies recognize that achieving a fine balance among the three aspects of life： economy, social, and ecology can be part of a new industrial development strategy.

广西南宁地区Hb Q-Thailand基因分析

目的了解广西南宁地区异常血红蛋白Hb Q-Thailand分子特征。方法回顾性分析2013年1月至2014年1月来广西壮族自治区妇幼保健院·儿童医院做地贫筛查的23 026例患者资料,通过毛细管电泳方法,确定可疑Hb Q-Thailand患者,运用扩增不应突变系统对可疑阳性患者进行确诊。结果在23 026例中共确诊Hb Q-Thailand阳性患者29例,占筛查人数的0.13%。且有1例是我国首次发现的Hb Q-Thailand不与4.2左侧缺失型α-地贫连锁的患者。结论 Hb Q-Thailand作为异常血红蛋白的一种,有其独特的分子特征,在日常工作中应引起足够的重视。

Descriptions of Three New Species of Orthogonius Macleay (Coleoptera, Caraboidea, Orthogoniini) from Singapore and Southern Thailand

Three new species of Orthogonius Macleay (Coleoptera, Caraboidea) from Malaya Peninsula are described and illustrated in the present papr: O. solidicornis, sp. nov. (from Singapore), O. morvani, sp. nov. and O. thaicus, sp. nov. (from Thailand).

An Analysis of the Main Reason and Solutions for the Failure of TEFL in Thailand

TEFL in Thailand is still not successful compared with other countries in Asia.On the basis of literature and study of the relevant official documents,the present paper makes an analysis on the reasons for the failure of TEFL in Thailand.It is revealed that the main reason for the failure of TEFL in Thailand is lack of qualified teachers.Some solutions to the failure of TEFL are also proposed in the paper.

运用PCR鉴定异常血红蛋白Q-Thailand

目的 对异常血红蛋白Q-Thailand进行鉴定.方法 首先采用全自动血红蛋白电泳仪进行血红蛋白电泳;其次采用多重断裂点PCR技术（Gap-PCR）检测αα/-α4.2缺失型的α珠蛋白生成障碍性贫血基因型;最后采用扩增不应突变系统（amplification refractory mutation system,ARMS-PCR）检查α-1珠蛋白基因的Q-Thailand点突变.结果 成功地对3例异常血红蛋白Q-Thailand的携带者进行诊断.结论 运用PCR技术（ARMS-PCR结合Gap-PCR）能够快速鉴定异常血红蛋白Q-Thailand.

毛细管电泳与高效液相色谱法在HbQ-Thailand检测中的比较研究

目的了解毛细管电泳(CE)与高效液相色谱法(HPLC)在Hb Q-Thailand检测中的差异。方法收集10例CE筛查出的可疑Hb Q-Thailand,经地贫基因分析和DNA测序确诊后,再用HPLC检测比对。结果 10例样本中CE均检出Hb Q-Thailand和Hb Q-Thailand A2(Hb QA2),而HPLC仅检出10例Hb QThailand和5例Hb QA2,而且HPLC错误检出Hb Q-H病1例存在Hb A2。CE和HPLC检出Hb Q-Thailand、Hb A2、Hb QA2的含量分别为(34.41±21.10)%、(1.68±0.57)%、(0.77±0.10)%和(31.72±21.46)%、(2.43±0.22)%、(0.24±0.24)%,两组Hb Q-Thailand差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),Hb A2和Hb QA2的差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论 CE在检测Hb Q-Thailand中优于HPLC。

A Case Study on a Strong Tropical Disturbance and Record Heavy Rainfall in Hat Yai, Thailand during the Winter Monsoon

The evolutionary process and structural characteristics of the atmospheric circulation and synoptic situation which caused the record heavy rainfall with a precipitation amount of 550 mm in Hat Yai, Thailand from 20 to 23 November 2000 is studied. In the study, the modern three dimensional observational data were collected as completely as possible, and detailed analyses were made. It is revealed that the cold surges of the Asian winter monsoon that originate from Siberia can arrive at the lower latitudes, including South Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, cause strong heavy rainfall there, and interact with weather systems in the near-equatorial regions of the Southern Hemisphere. This is strongly supported by Chinese scientist's original finding in 1930s. The strong convective cloud clusters in the above areas are generated by the direct influence of the cold surges, and are related with the South China Sea disturbances in the lower troposphere. The maximum of the convergence of total moisture flux near South Thailand in the situation under study implies that the water vapour supply is abundant and very favorable to the occurrence of the heavy rainfall. The release of latent heat enhances the Hadley Circulation also. The feedback of the strong severe weather on climate indeed exists, and there are pronounced interactions between the multi-scale systems and between both hemispheres.

深圳地区血红蛋白Q-Thailand的表型和基因型分析

目的分析深圳地区血红蛋白(Hb)Q-Thailand的基因型和表型的关系,为Hb疾病的筛查提供参考数据。方法收集该院72397例标本,分为成年男性、成年女性及新生儿,采用毛细管电泳法对Hb Q-Thailand进行筛查,对筛查阳性者采用Sanger测序法进行DNA测序鉴定,采用跨越断裂点PCR法和PCR结合反向点杂交法进行珠蛋白生成障碍性贫血基因分型检测,并分析其红细胞参数。结果深圳地区人群Hb Q-Thailand的携带率为0.039%。成年男性Hb Q-Thailand合并-α4.2杂合缺失的Hb、平均红细胞体积(MCV)、平均红细胞血红蛋白量(MCH)、Hb Q-Thailand和HbA2+变异体分别为(144.0±5.0)g/L、(80.7±2.1)fL、(27.1±0.1)pg、(26.6±3.3)%和(2.3±0.3)%;成年女性分别为(121.0±13.2)g/L、(76.7±3.1)fL、(25.7±1.6)pg、(28.5±0.9)%和(2.5±0.3)%;新生儿Hb电泳分析结果为HbA(13.7±4.1)%、HbF(64.9±4.1)%、Hb Q-Thailand(21.0±2.7)%和Hb Bart′s(0.4±0.1)%。结论深圳地区Hb Q-Thailand以杂合子常见,并与-α4.2缺失型珠蛋白生成障碍性贫血连锁遗传,临床需重视其表型与基因型的规律,以进行产前筛查和遗传咨询。

Immunological evidence of Zika virus transmission in Thailand

Objective: To identify immunological evidence of Zika virus transmission in Thailand. Methods: To undertake a preliminary serosurvey of possible exposure to Zika virus, 21 serum samples from cohort of acute undifferentiated fever patients were examined for immunoreactivity to Zika, Dengue, Japanese encephalitis and Chikungunya envelope antigens by Western blot analysis. Results: Twenty of the 21 serum samples showed immunoreactivity to at least one of the antigens, with seven samples showing immunoreactivity to all antigens. Of particular note, two serum samples showed immunoreactivity only to Zika envelope antigen, with no immunoreactivity to other envelope antigens. Conclusions: This study presents the first evidence of Zika virus transmission in Thailand, although as yet the relationship between transmission and possible cases of Zika fever in Thailand requires further investigation.

Modeling seasonal leptospirosis transmission and its association with rainfall and temperature in Thailand using time-series and ARIMAX analyses

Objective:To study the number of leptospirosis cases in relations to the seasonal pattern,and its association with climate factors.Methods:Time series analysis was used to study the time variations in the number of leptospirosis cases.The Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model was used in data curve fitting and predicting the next leptospirosis cases. Results:We found that the amount of rainfall was correlated to leptospirosis cases in both regions of interest,namely the northern and northeastern region of Thailand,while the temperature played a role in the northeastern region only.The use of multivariate ARIMA(ARIMAX) model showed that factoring in rainfall(with an 8 months lag) yields the best model for the northern region while the model,which factors in rainfall(with a 10 months kg) and temperature(with an 8 months lag) was the best for the northeaslern region.Conclusions:The models are able to show the trend in leptospirosis cases and closely fit the recorded data in both regions.The models can also be used to predict the next seasonal peak quite accurately.

Imported cases of 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infections in Thailand: Mathematical modelling of the outbreak

Outbreak of a new emerging disease is usually an important consideration in medicine and public health. In December 2019, a new emerging disease started in China and becomes the global concern in early January 2020[1,2]. The disease, 2019-novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV) infection, already existed outside China and the importation of disease is the cause of emerging 2019-nCoV infections in new settings.

Indicators of fatal outcome in severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria:a study in a tertiary-care hospital in Thailand

Objective:To illustrate the clinical features and investigate the indicators associated with a fatal outcome in adult patients with severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria admitted to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases,Bangkok,Thailand.Methods:We studied 202 adult malaria patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.A total of 43 clinical variables were identified by univariate and logistic regression analyses,to eliminate confounding factors.Results:Regarding the statistical methods,only 6 variables-jaundice,cerebral malaria,metabolic acidosis,body mass index,initial respiratory rate,and white blood cell count-were significant indicators of death, with adjusted odds ratios(95%CI) of 15.2(2.1-32.3).4.3(2.3-12.6),3.3(2.3-5.7),2.4(1.9-3.5),2.2 (1.5-2.6),and 1.7(1.2-3.1),respectively.Conclusions:Our study found that jaundice,cerebral malaria,metabolic acidosis,body mass index,initial respiratory rate and white blood cell count were indicators of fatal outcome in severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria.Further studies on the fatal indicators in severe malaria need to be compared with data from different geographical areas,to construct practical measures to address potentially fatal indicators in different settings.

Outcome of curative resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in Northeast Thailand

AIM: To examine survival outcomes of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma(PCCA) resection including mortality, morbidity and prognostic factors. METHODS: Multivariate analyses were carried out based on the survival data of all patients with histologically confirmed PCCA who underwent curative resection at Srinagarind Hospital from January 2006 to December 2011. RESULTS: There were 29(19%) cases of intrahepatic CCA that involved hilar and 124(81%) with hilar bileduct cancer. R0 resection was carried out on 66(43.1%) patients of whom 50(32.7%) also had lymph node metastasis. The other patients underwent R1 resection. The overall 5-year survival rate was 20.6%(95%CI: 13.8-28.4) and median survival time was 19.9 mo. Postoperative mortality was 2%, and 30% of patients had complications. Patients without lymph node metastasis were 60% less likely to die than those with metastasis. Achieving R0 led to a 58% reduction in the chance of mortality as compared to R1. CONCLUSION: To achieve a better survival outcome, focus should center on performing radical surgery and detection of patients with early stage cancer.

A New Iguanodontian Dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous Khok Kruat Formation,Nakhon Ratchasima in Northeastern Thailand

Here we report a new iguanodontian dentary found from the Lower Cretaceous Khok Kruat Formation,Nakhon Ratchasima,northeast Thailand.A unique character,which is an elongated and flat shape of the dentary ramus,makes it possible to assign the specimen to the new genus of non-hadrosaurid iguanodontian,Ratchasimasaurus suranareae gen.et sp.nov.R.suranareae shows both primitive and derived characters,such as a caudally inclined coronoid process and alveolar trough with a primitive crown impression,and a derived buccal shelf between tooth row and coronoid process.The discovery of a new iguanodontian from the Indochina Terrene,considering that the previously reported 'Probactrosaurus-like' iguanodontian,points out a great diversity of this group in the late Early Cretaceous in Thailand,and corresponds to the Asian iguanodontian diversity at that time.

Pattern and distribution of colonic diverticulosis:Analysis of 2877 barium enemas in Thailand

AIM:To determine the pattern and distribution of colonic diverticulosis in Thai adults.METHODS:A review of the computerized radiology database for double contrast barium enema(DCBE)in Thai adults was performed at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital,Mahidol University,Bangkok,Thailand.Incomplete studies and DCBE examinations performed in non-Thai individuals were excluded.The pattern and distribution of colonic diverticulosis detected during DCBE studies from June 2009 to October 2011 were determined.The occurrence of solitary cecal diverticulum,rectal diverticulum and giant diverticulum were reported.Factors influencing the presence of colonic diverticulosis were evaluated.RESULTS:A total of 2877 suitable DCBE examinations were retrospectively reviewed.The mean age of patients was 59.8±14.7 years.Of these patients,1778(61.8%)were female and 700(24.3%)were asymptomatic.Colonic diverticulosis was identified in 820patients(28.5%).Right-sided diverticulosis(641 cases;22.3%)was more frequently reported than left-sided diverticulosis(383 cases;13.3%).Pancolonic diverticulosis was found in 98 cases(3.4%).The occurrence of solitary cecal diverticulum,rectal diverticulum and giant diverticulum were 1.5%(42 cases),0.4%(12 cases),and 0.03%(1 case),respectively.There was no significant difference in the overall occurrence of colonic diverticulosis between male and female patients(28.3%vs 28.6%,P=0.85).DCBE examinations performed in patients with some gastrointestinal symptoms revealed the frequent occurrence of colonic diverticulosis compared with those performed in asymptomatic individuals(29.5%vs 25.3%,P=0.03).Change in bowel habit was strongly associated with the presence of diverticulosis(a relative risk of 1.39;P=0.005).The presence of diverticulosis was not correlated with age in symptomatic patients or asymptomatic individuals(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Colonic diverticulosis was identified in28.5%of DCBE examinations in Thai adults.There was no association between the presence of diverticulosis and gender or age.

Profiles of carbon stocks in forest,reforestation and agricultural land,Northern Thailand

A study was conducted to assess carbon stocks in various forms and land-use types and reliably estimate the impact of land use on C stocks in the Nam Yao sub-watershed （19°05′10″N, 100°37′02″E）, Thailand. The carbon stocks of aboveground, soil organic and fine root within primary forest, reforestation and agricultural land were estimated through field data collection. Results re- vealed that the amount of total carbon stock of forests （357.62 ± 28.51 Mg·ha^-1, simplified expression of Mg （carbon）·ha^-1） was significantly greater （P〈 0.05） than the reforestation （195.25 ± 14.38 Mg·ha^-1） and the agricultural land （103.10 ± 18.24 Mg·ha^-1）. Soil organic carbon in the forests （196.24 ± 22.81 Mg·ha^-1） was also significantly greater （P〈 0.05） than the reforestation （146.83 ± 7.22 Mg·ha^-1） and the agricultural land （95.09± 14.18 Mg·ha^-1）. The differences in carbon stocks across land-use types are the primary consequence of variations in the vegetation biomass and the soil organic matter. Fine root carbon was a small fraction of carbon stocks in all land-use types. Most of the soil organic carbon and fine root carbon content was found in the upper 40-cm layer and decreased with soil depth. The aboveground carbon：soil organic carbon： fine root carbon ratios （ABGC： SOC： FRC）, was 5：8：1, 2：8：1, and 3：50：1 for the forest, reforestation and agricultural land, respectively. These results indicate that a relatively large proportion of the C loss is due to forest conversion to agricultural land. However, the C can be effectively recaptured through reforestation where high levels of C are stored in biomass as carbon sinks, facilitating carbon dioxide mitigation.